2012 Mercedes-Benz G-class Long (W463, facelift 2012) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long (W463 facelift 2012) has a body width of 1760 mm (69.3 inches), which refers to the width excluding the mirrors. When the side mirrors are opened, the overall width extends to 2055 mm (80.9 inches). This is important to consider when maneuvering through narrow spaces or parking, especially because the vehicle’s width with mirrors opened can impact garage and lane clearance.

The G-Class Long (W463 Facelift 2012) stands tall at 1951 mm (76.8 inches), contributing to its commanding road presence. The ride height or ground clearance varies between 205 mm and 220 mm (8.1 to 8.7 inches), allowing it to handle challenging off-road conditions effectively. This ground clearance is sufficient to clear most obstacles on rugged terrains while maintaining balance between on-road stability and off-road capability.

The curb weight of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long (2012 facelift) ranges from 2455 kg to 2530 kg (5412 to 5577 lbs), depending on the trim and additional equipment fitted. Its maximum permissible weight is rated at 3200 kg (7055 lbs). This maximum figure includes passengers, cargo, and optional accessories, demonstrating the vehicle’s robust chassis and suspension designed to carry heavy loads typical for off-road and utility purposes.

The luggage capacity of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long (W463 facelift 2012) is quite generous. With the rear seats in place, the vehicle offers 480 liters (approx. 16.9 cubic feet) of cargo space. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity expands dramatically to 2250 liters (about 79.4 cubic feet), providing ample room for bulky items, camping gear, or larger luggage. This flexibility is a practical advantage, catering to both passenger comfort and substantial storage needs.

Fitting the G-Class Long into a standard home garage depends largely on the garage’s internal dimensions. The car’s length can be up to 4737 mm (186.5 inches), width including mirrors is 2055 mm (80.9 inches), and height is 1951 mm (76.8 inches). Most standard garages have widths around 2400 mm (95 inches) and depths around 6000 mm (236 inches), so while width and height are typically not problematic, clearance may be tight in some narrow or compact garages, especially when maneuvering with mirrors extended. It's recommended to measure your garage first and consider folding mirrors, if supported, for easier fitment.

Compared to the predecessor models from earlier W463 generations, the 2012 facelift G-Class Long generally maintained similar width and height but introduced slight increases in length, particularly in the 'long' models, which contribute to enhanced rear passenger legroom and cargo space. The overall design improvements also focused on modernizing the exterior while keeping the iconic boxy shape. Weight saw a slight increase due to added safety features and technological updates, but this did not significantly impact its off-road abilities or road handling.

Compared to other luxury off-road vehicles in the same size category, such as the Land Rover Range Rover or Toyota Land Cruiser, the G-Class Long offers a comparable footprint with a slightly boxier and more utilitarian design. It provides competitive ground clearance (205-220 mm) and powerful off-road capabilities, paired with high levels of luxury and technology. The G-Class often stands out for its heritage and robust body-on-frame construction, whereas some competitors use unibody designs that can offer different ride qualities. In terms of cargo capacity and interior space, the G-Class Long’s extended length gives it an edge in versatility over standard wheelbase rivals.

The 2012 facelift Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long (W463) comes with various rim and tire size options that enhance both on-road driving and off-road performance. Rim sizes include 7.5J x 18, 7.5J x 16, and 9.5J x 20 inches, paired respectively with tire sizes of 265/60 R18, 265/70 R16, and 275/50 R20. These sizes offer a good balance between rugged off-road capabilities and comfortable driving on pavement, allowing owners to choose based on personal preferences or specific driving needs.

The roof load capacity of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class Long (W463 facelift 2012) is rated at 200 kg (about 441 lbs). This means the roof can safely support substantial cargo such as roof boxes, storage racks, or sporting equipment without compromising vehicle stability and safety. This capacity is significant for an off-road oriented SUV, enabling owners to carry additional gear for adventures, camping, or transport of bulky items that do not fit inside the cabin or luggage compartments.